Linde to invest 21m euros in heavy forklift expansion

Linde Material Handling plans to boost its heavy truck business, with an investment of 21 million euros in product development and production facilities, over the next three years.

This month it is launching a C90 empty container handler with nine-tonne lifting capacity, using a 4.0 metre wheelbase which can stack 8’6” containers to seven high.

The truck features hydrostatic transmission and a Cummins QSB 6.7 diesel engine, with an output of 142 kW (at 2200 rpm), which reaches maximum torque of 931 Nm at 1400 rpm. It meets all specifications for level 3A of the Euro 2004/26 EU emission guidelines.

For driving speeds of up to 16 km/h, the engine revs at 1500 rpm (maximum travel speed is limited to 25 km/h).

The cabins can tilt backwards 15 degrees, to help drivers’ upward visibility when stacking containers at high positions.

The model promises lower maintenance costs as it has shed the coupling, gearbox, differential and service brake. The hydrostatic brake-control system will also help smooth braking procedures and control larger loads.

The decoupling of the drive and lift functions means the driving speed will not be affected when a lift or tilt function is performed. The larger variable pump for lift hydraulics with load sensing and demand-specific hydraulic oil supply, enables the truck to lower and lift more quickly, and improve energy efficiency. The mast reaches full lift speed at 1500 rpm with maximum load.

Later this year additional models will be available, offering 4.5 metre wheelbases, which can single-stack 8’6” containers to eight high, and double-stack 8’6” containers to seven high. Heavy forklift truck models with lifting capacities of 18–37 tonnes, plus one with a 52-tonne lifting capacity, and reach stackers with higher lifting capacities are also in the pipeline.